2.  For thousands of years, people have used some sort of currency or type of money to pay for things they want. Different countries and cultures have used everything from seashells to pigs to purchase goods and services. Now, in modern times, we use four main ways to pay—  cash, credit cards, debit cards and checks.

3.  Writing checks is easy, with a little practice. When you write checks, always use a blue or black ink pen and write neatly.

4. Check Number Date Memo Signature Line Your Information Routing Number Account Number Payee Written Amount Numeric Amount

5.  Turn to the pages in your packet that say Practice Exercises -Writing Checks.

6.  A check register helps you keep track of the money in your checking account. Every time you deposit money or withdraw money, or use your ATM or debit card, write it in the check register immediately.  Make sure you will have money in your account to avoid overdraft /non sufficent funds fees!  When you write something in your check register, we call it recording a transaction.  So let’s take a look at a check register and how it works.

8.  Turn to the pages in your packet that say Practice Exercises -Managing Money.

9.  You can put cash and checks into your account in different ways. When you’re ready to deposit money at your financial institution, you need to fill out a form called a deposit ticket.  Deposit tickets in your checkbook, behind the checks. They have printing on both sides. Just like with the checks and the check register, there are areas you need to complete.  Use a pen to fill out the form. It is very important that you write neatly.

11.  Turn to the pages in your packet that say Practice Exercises – Depositing Money (3 Pages).

12.  If you’ve got a job, chances are you get paid with a check. To deposit that check, you need to endorse it. That means you sign your name in ink on the back of the check. Sign your name the same way it’s written on the check. If your name is spelled wrong, also sign your name the correct way on the next line.  There are a few ways to endorse your check.

13. Suzie Lou Hoo

14. for deposit only account # 77345689 Suzie Lou Hoo

15. Pay to the order of Bobby Joe Yoohoo Suzie Lou Hoo

16.  Turn to the pages in your packet that say Practice Exercises- Endorsing a Check.

17.  Every month, you’ll get a statement from your financial institution. This statement tells you:  Every check that you wrote (the ones that have been processed).  Money you took out of the ATM, transferred by telephone or any other withdrawals.  All of your debit card transactions.  All of your deposits.  Your ending balance (how much you have in your account on the date the statement was printed).  Outstanding checks  Checks that have not been paid by the bank yet.

19.  Turn to the pages in your packet that say Practice Exercises –Balancing Your Account!